Lorna is a feminine given name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "mór", which means "great" or "large". It has been used as a personal name since the Middle Ages and was popular among the Highland Scottish clans.
The name Lorna gained significant popularity in English-speaking countries during the Victorian era due to its association with Sir Walter Scott's poem "Lochinvar", published in 1808. In this poem, the character of Lochinvar falls in love with a woman named Lorna Doone. Although this is not an accurate reflection of Scottish history or traditions, it contributed to the name's popularity among English speakers.
The name Lorna has also been associated with various literary works and historical figures throughout history. For instance, there was a fictional character called Lorna in R.L. Stevenson's novel "Kidnapped" (1886), while an American socialite named Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan used the name Lorna for her daughter, who later became known as the French actress Loretta Young.
In terms of its meaning and symbolism, the name Lorna has been interpreted in various ways depending on cultural context. Some people associate it with strength and grandeur due to its literal translation from Gaelic, while others connect it with beauty or elegance based on its literary associations.
Overall, Lorna is a charming and distinctive feminine given name that has deep roots in Scottish history and culture, as well as interesting connections to literature and art throughout the centuries.
Statistics on the given name Lorna show that it was quite popular in the United States during certain periods of time. According to data available, there were seven babies named Lorna born in the year 1942. This number then decreased slightly over time, with five births recorded each in the years 1962, 1964, and 1966.
Despite the fluctuations in popularity throughout these decades, it's interesting to note that a total of 22 babies were given the name Lorna during this span. This statistic provides insight into how often this particular name was chosen by parents for their newborn daughters over these years.